Ticketing tourists for parking violations ticks off some in Lunenburg

An online petition is being circulated in Lunenburg by people upset that tourists have been ticketed this summer at parking meters. Many say finding a ticket under their windshields for a parking meter violation sends a unwelcoming message to tourists. (BEVERLEY WARE / South Shore Bureau)

An online petition making the rounds in Lunenburg wants the town to stop ticketing tourists for parking-meter violations.

The petition, being circulated among people who live and work in Lunenburg, calls for the town to come up with a better solution to its parking problems, saying tickets send an unwelcome message.

“As a tourist town, we have to be very aware of our visitors and cater to them in a way that allows them to be here for an extended period of time,” said Shelah Allen, owner of Lunenburg Walking Tours.

The parking meters allow for up to two hours of parking for $1.

“Two hours is not sufficient time,” said Allen. “As a tourist operator, I would like to see the impression given to visitors that we want them to stay as long as possible and enjoy their time here.”

Mike Smith, president of the Lunenburg Board of Trade, said the issue is of sufficient concern that it’s on the agenda for the board’s next meeting.

By Wednesday, the online petition had more than 70 signatures.

It says: “We need tourists! Ticketing tourists that are spending money in the businesses is not leaving a good reputation for the town and has negative economical and cultural impacts.”

Mayor Rachel Bailey said council is aware people are upset and it voted Tuesday evening to refer the issue to the town’s planning advisory committee meeting in September.

“It has created a bit of a buzz about town,” she said.

The town has had no bylaw enforcement officer for some time and has entered into a contract to have commissionaires do that job.

Bailey said it took awhile to get the contract in place and it is “pure coincidence” that commissionaires started their duties in early July.

She said there is no truth to rumours they were hired to hit the streets at the busiest time of year for the town, allowing it to get some extra cash.

“The whole purpose of the meters is not to penalize people or discourage people from coming into town or be unwelcoming,” said the mayor.

Bailey said their job is to keep traffic moving in an area where some people park all day.

She said the meters were originally installed at the request of businesses so customers would have a place to park.

“They’re not there for revenue generation,” though they do bring in more than the town spends enforcing the meters, she said.

Bailey said the rates are “very reasonable” at 10 cents for 10 minutes and 25 cents for a half-hour. Violators are issued a $10 ticket.

The meters are in effect weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They don’t have to be fed outside those hours, on weekends, holidays or in December.

Bailey said commissionaires most frequently issue tickets for violations such as parking in a handicapped spot or too close to a stop sign, rather than for parking for longer than the allotted time at a meter. Knowing this, the town will discuss improving signage, she said.